This year’s Masorti AmLat annual board meeting took place August 22-25 in Bogotá, Colombia, with the participation of members from all four subregions (Mexico and Central America Region; Pacific Region; Atlantic Region; Southern Region – Argentina), representatives from NOAM AmLat and Marom AmLat; as well as Masorti Olami President Margo Gold, Masorti and MERCAZ Olami Executive Director Rabbi Mauricio Balter, and Deputy Director Tehila Reuben.

Hosted by our Masorti/Conservative community in the Colombian capital, Asociación Israelita Montefiore, the meeting aimed to define strategic priorities for the coming year - a three-part discussion led and facilitated by Alex Senderowitsch; strengthen Masorti community life in the region; and learn more about Masorti Olami's global strategy, current initiatives and impact around the world.

Margo Gold, Rabbi Mauricio Balter, and Tehila Reuben brought to the Latin American group a detailed explanation of the organization and global movement’s map, the mission, vision and structure of the organization; and a comprehensive explanation on our partner organizations.

Masorti Olami President Margo Gold shared: "It was very special to meet the AmLat leadership in-person and to learn about their communities’ accomplishments, as well as their needs and goals. We look forward to working together in partnership toward realizing those visions".

The group heard from different representatives on the challenges they are facing with the rise of antisemitism in Chile, North America and Argentina and how the reality of antisemitism in Israel differs from around the world. The panel was followed by an in-depth conversation about the reality of Israel and the work of MERCAZ Olami in support of pluralism, equality and democracy in Israel, led by Rabbi Mauricio.

In addition to the sessions and religious services, the group participated in a special Motza'ei Shabbat dinner and cultural experience, where they had the opportunity to celebrate their friendship and strengthen their bonds in promoting Masorti/Conservative values ​​in Latin America.

"My heartfelt thanks also to AIM Rabbi @Iehuda Gitelman, President Arieh Katz and so many members of the community for their warm Shabbat hospitality in Bogota,” Margo thanked.